Destination: Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Arlington

1. Planners looking for intimate locations for small meetings and VIP events may want to mark their calendars for the opening of Sova Hospitality’s “micro-hotel” project on the east side of downtown Dallas. Though the boutique hotel’s plans were waylaid by the pandemic, zoning approval is moving forward according to reports in the Dallas Morning News. Rooms at micro-hotels are small – 100-200 square feet – and the concept is popular in busy cities around the world. The proposed hotel is slated to have a lobby bar.

2. In the city’s Cedars District, the art-centric CANVAS Hotel Dallas announced plans for a redesign that will include updated rooms and public spaces, where gaming options like shuffleboard and billiards will create a community feel. The property’s 76 loft-style rooms have been upgraded, as well, with touches that emphasize the exposed brick and high ceilings. A rooftop lounge offers guests a pool – plus stunning vistas of the Dallas skyline.

3. Once you’ve got the “where” settled for your next stay in Dallas, you’ll want to plan out dining options that allow you to explore what’s new and support local businesses. Start your day at the Salty Donut, which has some seriously sweet vibes. Enjoy coffee and donuts in at this warm, inviting space big enough to social distance. There’s also a great outdoor patio large enough for groups.

4. If you’re headed to Fort Worth, the city’s green spaces are definitely worth checking out. Whether biking along the Trinity River’s 100+ miles of trails, taking a much-needed respite at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, or exploring 20 miles of hiking trails at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, there’s something for every outdoor adventurer.

5. This summer saw the opening of the Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Cultural District, a 162-room property with an expanded lobby layout that’s been touted as allowing for enjoyment at safe social distances. Also featured: a double-sided breakfast bar, multifunctional space for gatherings, and individual work and meeting areas.

6. Since COVID-19 is still a major concern for locals and visitors alike, Fort Worth offers meeting planners strong signs of community resilience during COVID-19. More than 130 restaurants, museums and attractions in our core visitor districts, including 25 hotels, have embraced Visit Fort Worth’s Re-open Responsibly program. The program reflects public commitment to following healthy best practices, based on guidelines from state, local, corporate and industry authorities.

7. If you’re headed to Plano, take a stroll and do some shopping in its more than 26 million square feet of retail space. The Downtown Plano Arts District boasts a charming downtown area with clothing and jewelry boutiques, specialty shops, antique stores, art galleries and more. Stores throughout the area are posting mask and social distance reminders signs at their doors for customers’ safety.

8. A multimillion-dollar renovation of the NYLO Dallas/Plano, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which began earlier this year, is now complete and includes the property’s 176 rooms, lobby, restaurant and meeting space. Sleek, with exposed concrete, brick and ductwork – guestrooms now boast new furnishings and enhanced bath accents. Meeting space – flexible and both indoor and outdoor – totals 8,596 square feet.

9. Arlington’s $1.2 billion Globe Life Field is now home to the largest single-panel operable roof in the world. More important to Texas Ranger fans perhaps, when closed the ballpark’s interior temperatures will sit at a cool, comfortable number in the mid-70s. Natural light will also filter through its clear panels, making things seem more open and baseball-breezy.

10. If you’re looking at play and stay, there is the adjacent entertainment area Texas Live!, featuring bars, restaurants and a live music venue. It’s also home to Live! By Loews Hotel, which opened just one year ago this month. The 14-floor hotel includes 302 rooms and 26 suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a 14,000 square-foot ballroom.

Photo credit: iStock.com/Ferrantraite